News
Council budget set for 2025/26
At our Full Council meeting, on 11 February, we set our budget for 2025/26. Councillors have agreed a balanced budget which means that we don't need to draw on any council reserves
Our balanced budget has been set during challenging times. The council faces inflationary pressures, a rise in staffing costs owing to the increase in Employer National Insurance contributions, and the increasing demands of homelessness provisions. There has been no boost to our financial settlement from the central government.
In setting the budget, councillors have agreed a 2.98% increase to the borough council portion of council tax - this is the equivalent of 13p per week for the average Band D property or £6.75 per year. Council tax for the borough of Epsom & Ewell remains below average for Surrey.
Funding for the budget comes from several sources including income generated from the council's commercial activities, fees and charges for certain services, business rates, government grants and council tax, which Epsom & Ewell Borough Council also collects on behalf of Surrey County Council and Surrey Police.
Of the overall council tax paid by residents we receive just 10%, Surrey Police receives 14% and 76% funds Surrey County Council activities. Surrey County Council has agreed a council tax rise, including the adult social care precept, of 4.99%. The Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner has set an increase of 4.19%. This means the overall tax bill for residents will increase, on a Band D property, from £2,308.34 to £2,416.39 - an increase of 4.68%.
The 10% of council tax that we receive enables us to deliver a wide range of services for residents including waste and recycling collections, tending to the borough's green spaces, supporting people facing homelessness, licensing, planning and development, managing car parks, environmental enforcement, community outreach services and running and maintaining venues such as the Community and Wellbeing Centre for people aged 55+, community venue Bourne Hall and Epsom Playhouse Theatre.
Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee, said:
“The prudent administration of Residents Association run Epsom & Ewell Borough Council means we can balance our budget without needing to draw on reserves or cut the essential services our residents rely on.
“We have also improved the efficiency of Bourne Hall with solar panels and are installing double glazed windows which will reduce the venue's carbon footprint.
“During last night’s meeting I highlighted the ten actions we have taken to reduce homelessness which is one of our highest risks and an issue that has a huge impact on those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without anywhere to live.
“As we prepare for local government reorganisation in the coming months, we do so in the knowledge that we are in a financially stable position, delivering real value for money for our residents and local communities.”
Local Government Reorganisation
In December 2024, the Government published a White Paper on the topic of devolution – the decentralisation of Government power to local or regional authorities. The White Paper proposed the creation of more unitary councils to simplify and streamline local Government, as well as create more Mayoral strategic authorities in areas that don’t currently have one.
On 5 February 2025, the Government announced that Surrey will be part of the first wave of the government’s local government reorganisation agenda, and that local elections in Surrey will be postponed from May 2025 to May 2026.
The Government has now formally invited the 11 district and borough councils in Surrey, plus the County Council, to submit proposals for new unitary structures in the area. Specifically, it has requested that an interim plan be submitted on or before 21 March 2025, and final proposals developed by 9 May 2025. The expectation is that the 12 authorities should work collaboratively to meet these deadlines.
Collectively, the 12 local authorities in Surrey have ruled out having a single Surrey-wide unitary authority. This means it is most likely that we will see two or three unitary authorities across Surrey.
For the latest updates, please visit - Updates on Local Government Reorganisation | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
For more information:
We will also keep you updated through this newsletter and our social media channels.
Surrey's District and Borough Leaders statement about local elections postponement
District and Borough Leaders from across Surrey put together a statement to explain the decision made to postpone local elections. This follows statements in the House of Commons by Angela Rayner MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, that Surrey will be part of the first wave of the Government's local government reorganisation agenda and that local elections in Surrey will be postponed from May 2025 to May 2026.
Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Surrey Leaders Group, commented:
“The ambitions set out by the Government will see the biggest shake up of local government for fifty years. In Surrey this means that the county elections in May this year have been postponed to 2026, which this Group has already opposed.
In addition, the Government announcement does not address the serious concerns we hold around local government reorganisation including establishing unitary authorities for populations of 500k people, which will take decision making further away from communities, or provide any clarity around how the debt held within Surrey is going to be addressed so that new authorities are not set up to fail.
Throughout the upcoming process, councils across Surrey are committed to delivering the best possible solution for all our residents. Our focus over the coming weeks and months will be to continue to work together, to deliver a proposal that ensures our residents and local communities receive the high-quality public services they rely on both now, and for years to come.”
All councils across Surrey will keep residents up to date on any news or developments via social media, council newsletters and websites.
Statement from Surrey’s District and Borough Leaders on the delay to local elections and plans for local government reorganisation in Surrey. | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Join us to remember and reflect on five years from the start of COVID-19
We will commemorate the national COVID-19 Day of Reflection on Sunday 9 March. Residents are invited to sign a Book of Remembrance at Epsom Town Hall and Bourne Hall, where the public can also light a candle to remember loved ones who have died. Epsom’s Clock Tower will also be lit in yellow to mark the day. Councillors will place ribbon bouquets on COVID-19 memorial benches around the borough.
The national COVID-19 Day of Reflection, on Sunday 9 March, marks five years since the pandemic began and is supported by the Government and end-of-life charity, Marie Curie.
Residents in Epsom & Ewell are invited to remember and reflect in any way that is meaningful to them, to pay tribute to those who worked, volunteered and showed acts of kindness during this unprecedented time, and remember those we lost.
More information on council commemorations:
- Book of Remembrance, open Monday 3 March to Friday 14 March 2025
Everyone is invited to sign the Book of Remembrance or light a candle at the table of Reflection areas located at Epsom Town Hall (The Parade, Epsom KT19 5BW, opening times 9am-5pm) and Bourne Hall (Spring Street, Ewell KT17 1UF, opening times 9am-5pm). Each Book of Remembrance is available to sign during usual venue opening times.
- COVID-19 Day of Reflection, Sunday 9 March 2025
The council will light the Epsom Clock Tower in yellow, and councillors will place a yellow ribbon tribute on each of the 15 Covid Memorial benches located around the borough, locations here - Locations of Covid Memorial Benches in Epsom & Ewell | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
People around the country are also encouraged to submit and add their event to the Government’s interactive map that shows all events taking place - Get involved - Covid Day of Reflection.
Jackie King, Chief Executive said:
“The pandemic continues to cause a range of conflicting emotions. This was a challenging time for many, yet it also brought out the very best in people as our community worked together to help one another. As a council, we continued to provide vital services and support our community and supported those who were most vulnerable during this time. On behalf of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make a difference to the lives of others during this time.”
For more information, including how the public can join Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to reflect and remember, visit COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2025 | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Further information
Cuddington Community Primary School helping to Rethink Waste
Cuddington Community Primary School is the only school in the borough of Epsom & Ewell to take part in the Surrey Environment Partnership's scheme to reduce waste. If they do win a prize, they want to run a project that helps bring wildlife and insects to their school grounds.
In Epsom and Ewell, we need to reduce what we waste because the less that we throw away, the better it is for the environment and the cheaper it is for your council to deal with the waste. But reducing waste isn’t easy. And that’s where the Rethink Waste scheme comes in.
Here's more information about the scheme,...
Since the Surrey Environment Partnership’s Rethink Waste scheme launched, it has awarded £19,500 to 24 Surrey primary schools as chosen by Surrey residents who’ve signed up to the scheme. And now, with a further £2,000 on offer you too can give a gift to local kids by signing up and taking part.
The scheme works like this. You sign up to Rethink Waste and complete fun, easy online activities that help you reduce waste, for which you win points. You select the participating school in Epsom and Ewell and donate your points to them. At the end of February and March 2025, the two schools with the most points will take home a share of £1,000 that they’ll use to fund an environmental project.
So far, over 12,000 households in Surrey have signed up to take part in Rethink Waste. They’ve completed over 190,000 activities and are well on their way to reducing the amount of waste produced in Surrey – a result for the planet and for Surrey councils as they will save money on disposal costs.
And Surrey residents have chosen some great projects to get behind too. Money from Rethink Waste has funded projects ranging from creating brand new outdoor classrooms to buying litter picking sets, building new guinea pig homes and building raised beds.
If you want to take part, sign up to Rethink Waste online or download the app.
Download the app or sign up online and you’ll immediately have access to a trove of fun activities that can help you reduce waste. And every time you complete an activity, either by watching a video, completing a quiz or making a pledge, you win points. And with the points, you can either:
- Enter monthly prize draws to win some great eco-friendly prizes.
- Donate your points to a charity of your choice – the charities with the most points at the end of the month win a cash donation.
- Donate your points to a Surrey primary school of your choice – regular school schemes have seen schools compete for points; so far, Rethink Waste has donated £18,500 to Surrey schools.
Since the scheme launched in Surrey, over 178,000 activities have been completed by those living in the county. Join them and do your bit for the county.
Council's largest solar panel installation to date at Rainbow Leisure Centre
We recently completed our fourth, and largest, solar panel installation to date, with 390 solar panels on the roof of Rainbow Leisure Centre. The panels were funded from the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund.
This is part of our Climate Change Action Plan which has set an ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2035.
To date, solar panels have been installed at Bourne Hall, Epsom Playhouse and Longmead Depot.
The Rainbow Leisure Centre is a high energy user, and the solar panels will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions by generating renewable energy for use by the centre. The 177 kWp system will generate 140,000 kWh of electricity, one fifth of the electricity used at the leisure centre.
The solar panels are expected to save 29 tonnes of carbon emissions and £44k in electricity bills each year.
Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “This is an exciting development that continues to support our community. The Rainbow Leisure Centre is an important community hub that supports the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors, and we are proud that we’ve now been able to ensure that the building itself can have a positive environmental impact for years to come.
Thanks once again to our partners for working with us to help reduce our impact on the environment and move closer to becoming carbon neutral.”
Steve Hannen, Head of Service, GLL said: “Respecting the planet is something that we are extremely passionate about. Everyone needs to do their bit and the installation of the solar panels at Rainbow Leisure Centre demonstrates the commitment of GLL and our partner, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, to reduce carbon emissions.”
Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew said: “Millions of people swim every year in England, but high energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially. I know from personal experience the health benefits of getting down to your local pool, whether that’s just for a few lengths, to swim with friends, or a water aerobics class. This further £60 million of support from the Government and Sport England will make hundreds of swimming pools more energy efficient so they can keep offering their vital community and health benefits for generations to come.”
More information about the council’s Climate Change Action Plan can be found on our website: Climate Change | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Be prepared - check your flood risk
Surrey County Council lead flood risk management for the county, including for the borough of Epsom & Ewell. We urge residents to take proactive steps to prepare for potential flooding especially during this time of year. With flood incidents on the risk, it is crucial to reduce risks and ensure you are safe.
Flooding can have a severe and lasting impact on lives, often catching many of us unaware and unprepared. It can be an emotional time, causing significant worry and stress. To help residents navigate these challenging situations, we have compiled essential information and key contacts.
Check your risk
Residents are advised to check their home's flood risk, visit check the long term flood risk for an area in England or calling the Floodline (24-hour service) on 0345 988 1188. There is also the opportunity to register for flood alerts and warnings.
The latest information on flooding in Surrey can be found on the Flood Warning Information Service page or by phoning them on 0345 988 1188. You can also sign up to receive flood warnings.
Know how to Prepare.Act.Survive
There are simple steps you can take to prepare for flooding which can help keep you and your family safe, and save you thousands of pounds in damages and disruption. Learn more about what you can do to plan ahead for flooding.
If there is a risk of flooding, we have advice on how to be prepared for a flood.
Protecting your home from flooding
It is your responsibility to protect your home in the first instance. If you think your home is at risk of flooding then you may want to look at using suitable flood defence products.
The National Flood Forum is a charity set up to support those affected by flooding. They have a list of available flood protection products on their Blue Pages website.
Report flooding
Find out how and who you can report different types of floods to on this flooding webpage.
During a flood
Flooding events can be devastating, leaving lasting impacts that are both financial and emotional for residents and business owners.
During a flooding incident, you should focus on the safety of yourself and others and stay out of floodwater. We have put together some advice on what to do should an incident occur.
If there is danger to life, call 999 and follow advice from the emergency services.
After a flood
Once the flood waters have subsided and you've returned to your home or business, we have put together some practical advice and resources to support you through the necessary steps for recovery after a flood.
Get support
If someone has concerns about their own or others' mental health, they can visit their GP or call NHS on 111, who can help identify further sources of support.
NHS Every Mind Matters guidance also has advice on how to deal with stress or anxiety as well as information about where you can access further support.
NHS services is a good source of local health information, including local mental health services.
Helplines, such as Samaritans, can provide support to anyone in emotional distress or struggling to cope. The Samaritans free helpline is available 24 hours a day on 116123.
If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable, requires additional assistance or has additional communication needs then you can sign up to the Priority Services Register and contact your utility providers. It is free and can help you or a loved one to stay safe, warm and independent at home.
Useful contacts
For general advice, call the Environment Agency's 24-hour Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
To report roads and drains, call Surrey County Council on 0300 2001003.
Further Epsom & Ewell Borough Council information
Compliance and Enforcement Policy Consultation now live
On 18 February, we launched a four-week consultation into our draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy, the consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 9 March.
All local authorities have an enforcement policy, which covers a variety of areas including: public health, public safety, environmental enforcement, housing, food safety, parking controls, workplace safety, and antisocial behaviour.
EEBC last considered its policy 10 years ago and the purpose of this consultation is to gather a wide range views from residents, visitors and businesses on a revised version. The proposed revisions update the policy to reflect the different tools available and changes at the council since it was last reviewed.
We welcome your feedback on our draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy, you can find information on how to respond here - www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/council/consultations.
Proposed updates include:
- Renaming the policy “Compliance and Enforcement Policy” to reflect the fact that enforcement can take many forms from a verbal instruction up to and including a formal prohibition or injunction.
- Enhancements around the use of anti-social behaviour tools which have arisen since the creation of the current version.
- Clearer statements concerning the policy around cost recovery, where it is permitted.
- Developing of policy around the issuing of fixed penalties and civil sanctions as an alternative to prosecution for certain offences.
- The approach to rent repayment orders, which were introduced after the current policy.
- Some consequential amendments to reflect the change in senior staff structure.
Councillor Neil Dallen, Chair of Strategy and Resources, said,
“The updated policy will continue to ensure that the council’s guidelines and procedures for enforcement are clear, transparent, and fair. It will also ensure that residents and businesses are compliant with laws and regulations that safeguard public health, safety and our local environment.”
Local Plan (Regulation 19) Consultation - next steps
Our Proposed Submission (Regulation 19) Local Plan Consultation closed at 11.59pm on 5 February. Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Our next steps are to submit the Local Plan, and all supporting evidence that including all responses received during the consultation, to the Secretary of State who will appoint a Planning Inspector to carry out an independent examination to determine whether the Local Plan is sound and legally compliant.
Warm hubs across the borough
We have Warms Hubs in and around the borough and people can enjoy a safe, warm and friendly environment in which to enjoy a hot drink, social activity and receive information and advice.
The service is open to all, but is particularly beneficial to residents in hard to heat homes, those who are isolated or those worried about their energy bills.
We are working with Surrey County Council, district, borough, town and parish councils, and Surrey's faith and community groups, to ensure there are a network of Warm Welcome spaces to everybody within the borough and across the county.
Many of our neighbours, friends, and families will be forced to make difficult decisions on whether to heat their homes or eat three meals a day with many millions of UK residents affected by high energy bills, rising mortgage costs, and our borough is no different.
Whether you are old or young, live alone or with your family, feel like you are struggling or just managing to get by, a Warm Welcome awaits you.
How to find Warm Welcome venues near you
There are currently over 80 Warm Welcome venues across Surrey in a variety of community spaces including community and church halls, libraries and leisure centres. All you have to do is show up! Come inside, warm up, enjoy a hot drink and receive energy advice and much more.
Some venues will also be offering additional services such as social and creative activities, community fridges and advice cafes. A number of Warm Welcomes will distributing free items such as fuel vouchers and winter warm packs (including, socks, hats, gloves, blankets and flasks, subject to availability).
To find your nearest Warm Hub, visit Warm Hubs | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.
Free Boiler Upgrade
Earlier this year, in partnership with Action Surrey, we launched a free boiler upgrade scheme for residents who meet the following criteria:
- Are a resident in Epsom and Ewell
- Are the owner occupier of a property with a gas boiler
- Are on means-tested benefits or low income
- Live in a property with an EPC rating of D – G, and
- Have a broken or end of life boiler over ten years old.
If you meet the criteria and would like to register an interest in the scheme, please contact Action Surrey by calling 0800 783 2503 or visit Epsom and Ewell Boiler Upgrade Grant - Action Surrey
Jobs at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
We're recruiting.
We are seeking a multi-skilled and experienced individual to provide technical services to ensure the successful presentation of a wide programme of professional and community performances. You will be responsible for rigging, operating, and de-rigging, lighting, sound, stage and AV equipment for rehearsals and performances, duty stage management, simple maintenance of equipment, and supervision of casual staff, visiting companies and community users.
Find out more about the role here: Playhouse Theatre Technician
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Theatre House Manager to deliver a first-class service to our customers and ensure the positive reputation of the Theatre. You will be part of the Playhouse Team ensuring performances and building operations run smoothly and are delivered to a high standard.
Find out more about the role here: House Manager
Our small but ambitious authority offers you the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of varied and interesting work. That, together with an enviable array of staff benefits and a rewarding and challenging career, is our unique offer to y
If you have the passion and the drive to make a real difference, we really want to hear from you. View a list of all current vacancies at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.
At Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, we are passionate about maintaining an inclusive workplace for all that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of our community particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and those with hidden or visible disabilities.
We are committed to ensuring all our staff – regardless of gender, age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity or disability – can thrive and succeed whilst working with us.
